🏡Don’t Sabotage Your Home Buying Experience!

Buying a home can be daunting, but only if you let it. Getting your dream home is an exciting time in your life, but you have to be careful with your decisions to make sure that you do not sabotage your home purchase.

If you have already been pre-approved for a mortgage and have started your search for homes for sale in Pleasanton CA with an agent, then you are off to a good start. You have to be careful though, many home buyers tend to fail along the way by doing things they’re not supposed to do before, during or after the home buying process.

If you don’t want to sabotage your home buying experience, take note of the following things you shouldn’t do:

MISTAKE # 1: Assume that Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage is Valid Forever

Never assume that once you have been pre-approved for a mortgage, it’s valid forever. Getting pre-approved involves a lot of complexities, and the reality is that not all lenders will take the time to explain these things to you. To determine if you can get a mortgage and how much you can borrow, they will need to verify your job, income, credit score and debt-to-income ratio numerous times throughout the process, up to the day you close on a home. This means you can’t open new credit lines, use your credit card, and have late payments until the deal has been finally sealed.

MISTAKE # 2: Assume that the Home of Your Dreams Will Wait for You

When your dream home hits the market, expect many other prospective home buyers to flock to it. If you think your dream home will wait for you,  then you are wrong. Don’t expect it to be for sale next month or by the time you are no longer too lazy to get started with the home buying process. If you already have the means to buy it, go get it before someone else does.

MISTAKE # 3: Make a Lowball Offer

Always keep in mind that you are not the only buyer who wants to own your dream home. You have a ton of competition who will go the extra mile just to get the same property. Because of that, you shouldn’t settle for making a lowball offer. If you do that, you might lose your dream home to someone who is willing to pay more for the property.

MISTAKE # 4: Ask for Too Much From the Home Seller

While it is possible for the seller to prefer the buyer who is willing to pay more for the property, don’t assume that writing a full-price offer will already guarantee your success. Remember that there might be somebody out there competing for the same house. While his offer is a bit lower than yours, the seller might see him as the better buyer just because he’s ready to close within 60 days and you’re not, or because he doesn’t have as many demands as you do.

MISTAKE # 5: Skip the Home Inspection

Don’t think that organizing a home inspection before you move in won’t do you any good. Every home has issues, so it helps to get an inspector to check all the code violations of the house and recommend repairs. Once you buy a home, you are already the owner of that home so you can’t expect the previous homeowner to take on the job of paying for all the needed repairs.

MISTAKE # 6: Search for More Homes Shortly After Becoming a Homeowner

Some home buyers tend to have premature buyer’s remorse shortly after they have already settled everything with the seller. This is a big no-no. If you are just weeks away from becoming a homeowner, stop shopping for homes and daydreaming about the “what-ifs” when a home that seems to be better than the one you’re buying suddenly appears on the market. If you don’t want to start all over again with the stressful home buying journey, just focus on your new home and what you can do to improve it.

If you are looking for Pleasanton CA homes for sale, call Doug Buenz at (925)-621-0680. He is your top real estate agent in Pleasanton CA and he will help you achieve your dream of becoming a homeowner in Pleasanton CA.

What is a Home Inspection and Do I Need One

Are you in the market for a new home? Chances are you’ve already begun your search online. With the many homes in Ruby Hill Pleasanton CA for sale, you might have a handful of options to choose from by now.

Despite a home’s well-kept appearance and stunning architectural details, some hidden problems might be lurking around. Here’s why hiring a professional home inspector is worth every penny.

A home is the biggest investment of your life

It isn’t just the cost. We’re talking about the time spent finding, negotiating, packing, moving, settling down, making new friends, and adjusting to the new environment.

Imagine going through all that only to find out that the home you bought had termite problems or unsafe electrical wiring. Some problems are minor and can be fixed, but some might be so bad and make you regret buying the home.

Getting a home inspection before signing the contract can spare you from all this down the road. Most home inspections typically cost between $300 - $400, depending on the size or type of home. I think that that’s a nominal fee compared to what you get in return.

What is a final walk-through?

You’ve found a home you love, made an offer, negotiated a deal, and took care of the home inspections. About a week before closing, your agent will help arrange for a final walk-through. In most cases, only the buyer and the buyer’s agent are present.

This stage is critical during the purchase of a Ruby Hill home in Pleasanton CA. Final walk-throughs are your chance to see that the items agreed upon in the contract have been met. That great chandelier in the dining room the seller agreed to leave behind? Better make sure they didn’t take it with them!

Final walk-throughs can be even more crucial if the home is unlived in. What if someone left a faucet running that led to water damage? Or what if there was a storm recently that left some things in disarray?

Here are some things to look out for during the checklist. Take a screenshot or print this list out to keep in hand.

• Ensure that the things discovered in the home inspection have been taken care of
• Check all major appliances
• Turn all light fixtures on and off
• Turn heat and air conditioning on and off
• Test all faucets and toilets for leaks or other plumbing concerns
• Open all doors
• Open all windows
• Do a visual spot check of ceilings, walls, and floors
• Check storage areas to make sure nothing was accidentally left behind

These are just some ideas. Remember, this isn’t a home inspection. That should have been performed weeks ago.

Now you’re ready to live in your new home!

With all that done, all that’s left is closing and you can enjoy your new home! You will have peace of mind and security knowing that nothing will pop out of the blue inconveniently.

For more home buying or home selling tips, give me a call at (925) 621-0680. I’m Doug Buenz, the best real estate agent in Pleasanton CA!  

In case you cannot view this video here, please click the link below to view What is a Home Inspection and Do I Need One on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/8ncxcA5L8CE

How To Choose A Real Estate Agent

Selling homes isn’t easy. That’s why it is imperative to find a Realtor®® that truly knows the tricks of the trade.


With the plethora of real estate agents around, it can be difficult to find just the right one! Keep reading to find out how to get the best agent for your Ruby Hill home in Pleasanton CA.

Ask your friends, neighbors, and relatives

Have any of your friends recently sold a house? Or maybe someone in your neighborhood just moved in. Ask who their Realtor® was and if they were satisfied with the service.


Google the agent and read their reviews. Also, check out their Facebook or LinkedIn profiles. That’s always a good, easy way to start.

How many listings has the agent sold within the last year?

Some agents only sell houses on a part time basis. Others take this profession to the next level and deliver excellent results.


Find out how successful and competent an agent is by checking their track record. A great agent sells a lot of homes, and does it fast. This is the kind of person you want handling your home.

How long has the agent been in the business?

Some Realtors® are new, and some are experienced. Only few are true veterans and masters of the craft.


Sure, an agent might have all the certificates needed, but without going through the School of Hard Knocks, it doesn’t mean much.

How much does the agent know about the area?

Ruby Hill homes in Pleasanton CA are some of the finest in the state. The agent representing you and your home ought to know more than a thing or two about the town. They’ve really got to know it like the back of their hand!

When an agent knows the area well, this means their network of other agents and potential buyers for your home is wide and deep. They know who to contact to get word of your listing out, and they can find just the right match for your specific situation.


How do you feel about the agent?

Of course, in the end it really boils down to how the agent makes you feel. Does the agent confidently tell you that he can sell your home in a few months? Or does the agent exude an air of uncertainty, making you wonder if your home will ever sell?


Pick an agent you feel comfortable with. The agent will be your partner for the next few months or so. He will be your advocate in the negotiation process, your walking, talking encyclopedia when the paperwork comes in, and your representative all throughout the process.


When it comes to selling houses, nobody does it better than Doug Buenz and the 680 Group! My expert team of agents can help you sell your Ruby Hill home in Pleasanton CA in as little as no time!


For more info, call me, Doug Buenz, at (925) 621-0680. Let me know what you need and let’s get started right away!

In case you cannot view this video here, please click the link below to view How To Choose A Real Estate Agent on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEvumH9z2fY&feature=youtu.be

Do You Have Real Estate Questions? This List is For You!

Buyers, sellers, investors, and anyone involved in the real estate process has questions in mind. Whether this is your first time or your tenth time around, it’s never too late to learn something new.

Keep reading to see the most common real estate questions people in Ruby Hill Pleasanton CA ask all the time!

Should I talk to a bank before looking for homes for sale?

The answer is definitely! Talking to a bank early on will let you know how much you can actually afford. This way, you can immediately rule out homes that cost $300,000 and above if your budget does not allow it.

What is the difference between a pre-approval and pre-qualification?

Not many people have hundreds of thousands of dollars lying around, thus the need to take a loan when buying. A pre-qualification can be thought of as the first step in the mortgage process, while a pre-approval is the second step.

Most experts would say that a pre-approval is what really matters, and that a pre-qualification doesn’t really matter much. The pre-approval actually tells what you will be able to loan, giving you an edge over other buyers in a contested home for sale.

What renovations should I do before selling my home?

This is a great question, and it’s one I hear all the time.

If you have the budget, and if you’re really passionate about something, there’s nothing to stop you from going over the top and completely renovating the house. However, most people consider home repairs to increase the property’s value and potentially make a larger profit.

You can ask your Realtor for advice on which parts of the home need immediate attention. Your Realtor would know which repairs are absolutely necessary to get your Ruby Hill home sold and avoid it going stale on the market.

A ton of videos can be found on the internet that are fun to watch and demonstrate how a meager budget of $50, $100, $200, or $500 can make various upgrades in the living room, bathroom, kitchen, or exterior.

Do I really need a Realtor when buying or selling a home?

Selling a home by yourself or FSBO (For Sale By Owner) is usually done to save money. However, if you believe that time is gold and gold is money, you are actually losing money because unless you are a trained professional, there’s no way you can sell your home as fast as an experienced Realtor can.

Buying without a Realtor on your side is equally dangerous as well. Without a Realtor, you wouldn’t have anybody on your side to guide you through the intricacies of the buying process. You also risk falling prey to poor decisions, and are left to negotiate prices and other matters all on your own with no one watching your back.

I hope you learned something after reading this list of top real estate questions asked by people buying or selling homes!

If you’re trying to buy or sell a home in Ruby Hill Pleasanton CA, give me a call and I can answer all your other questions! You can reach us at (925) 621-0680. Look for Doug Buenz and the 680 Group, the best real estate agents in Pleasanton CA!

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Do You Have Real Estate Questions? This List is For You! on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiZtDhNMvUM&feature=youtu.be

How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?

In a buyer’s market, meaning the supply of homes exceeds the demand of homes, it could take months before you get a decent offer. On the other hand, in a seller’s market, you could get an offer in a matter of days!

Still, there’s so much we can do to improve our chances of selling regardless of the type of market we’re in!

Keep reading to see how we can sell your Ruby Hill home fast!

What makes a house sell quickly?

Some things you have control over, like the condition of the house and the price. While some, you don’t, like the age of the house and nearby amenities.

A house in good condition will sell a lot faster than a house that is in serious need of repairs. You see, a buyer wants a house that is move-in ready. It’s really worth so much knowing that you can live in a home immediately after you buy it.

Next thing to consider is the price. An overpriced home will get scoffed at and ignored completely by any serious buyer. Pricing your Ruby Hill home in Pleasanton right will attract the proper buyers who are interested in what you have to offer.

Buyers tend to prefer homes with great locations. Do you live near the waterfront? Does your home have fantastic views? Is it close to golfing centers or tennis courts? What about schools and workplaces?

Some buyers want new homes, while others want homes that have been lived in. Others even prefer historic homes, or those with a story.

Marketing to Sell

Henry Ford once said, “A man who stops advertising to save money is like a man who stops a clock to save time.”

Invest in the best photos you can get. Photos are the first impression, and good ones get buyers to call for an appointment.

Prepare your home in every possible way. When you have people come over to see the house, they can be very critical, even if they look like they are having a good time.

Make sure everything is super clean. That, I cannot stress enough. Get rid of any form of clutter, and keep the things you don’t use on a daily basis away in storage.

Your real estate agent will use every means possible to market your home. A good agent will use social media, the Internet, word-of-mouth, and existing contacts with previous clients and other agents to get your home as many offers in the least amount of time.

Do you want to know more about the real estate process? Or how to get your Ruby Hill home sold in the quickest time? I would love to help you out!

Call me, Doug Buenz, at (925) 621-0680 to get started on the home selling process!

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view How Long Does it Take to Sell a House? on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7_R0yGGG_o&feature=youtu.be